Environment & vegetation

The terrain model was created with a simple plane which I converted to an Editable Poly, added a noise modifier and deformed with a few push/pull tools to enhance the effect of terrain imperfections.

To scatter the vegetation, I used the Forest Pack Pro plug-in to achieve a more random result with different types of models, mostly from R&D iCube and Evermotion. I began by spreading the grass with different types and sizes, and then added some flowers and leaves, the bushes and finally the trees.

An overview of the scattered vegetation in the 3ds Max viewport

Camera setup

I adjusted the camera placement throughout the process, exploring the various options for positioning the cameras. I think the most important thing is to always try and capture the best lighting and composition of the scene – showing the building, the environment or simple details in the best, most appealing and realistic way.

You can see the V-Ray Physical Camera settings from both shoots here

Lighting

In my opinion, lighting is one of the most significant elements in 3D visualization, as it emphasizes the mood and the atmosphere of an image.

For this project, I used a HDRI Map inside a V-Ray Dome Light (default), using Peter Guthrie's HDRI 1224 Clear Sky and 2028 Dusk, combined with a V-Ray Sun to get strong shadows and warm highlights. In the night shoot, I also placed some additional V-Ray Lights that throw warm light from the interior.

(ID: 280335, pid: 0) Rodrigo Gonzalez on Tue, 10 June 2014 10:36pm Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. I found it very interesting and nevertheless the images impressive!!
Question, could you include the vray sun settings as well?

(ID: 279351, pid: 0) Leandro Silva on Fri, 06 June 2014 10:38am Thanks 3DTotal for the support. It was a great pleasure to write this article. www.facebook.com/leandrosilvarchviz